A man from Torreon, New Mexico, is facing federal charges after being linked to four shooting incidents on the Navajo Nation between July 2024 and September 2025. According to court documents, Cisco Whitehorse, 43, who is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and a previously convicted felon, was involved in these incidents.
The first incident occurred in July 2024 when Whitehorse shot at John Doe 1 from his car as the victim drove by, hitting him three times. The victim did not report the shooting initially because he hoped Whitehorse would leave him alone. When later questioned by authorities, Whitehorse admitted to shooting at John Doe 1.
In August 2024, Whitehorse allegedly fired shots at John Doe 2 from his house as the victim drove past. While Whitehorse denied involvement when questioned, law enforcement found multiple spent shell casings in his driveway.
Another incident took place in August 2025 when Whitehorse allegedly opened fire again from his house on a vehicle driven by John Doe 1. No one was injured during this event.
The final reported incident happened in September 2025. Whitehorse reportedly fired several shots from his vehicle near a local government building before fleeing the scene at high speed.
On October 24, 2025, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Whitehorse's residence and found three firearms and ammunition. As a convicted felon, Whitehorse is legally barred from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Whitehorse has been charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. He will remain in custody until trial; no date has been set yet. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated: “A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.” Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, joined Ellison in announcing the charges.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with help from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
This announcement was made public on November 14 following the conclusion of the federal government shutdown.
